India Women Win Asia Cup, Then Refuse Trophy From Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi

DUBAI, Sept 14: India’s women’s cricket team refused to receive the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi during the post-match presentation at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The incident occurred a year after India’s men’s team similarly declined to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi at the same venue.

Sunday’s presentation was already delayed by around 40 minutes after Sri Lanka’s final wicket. However, the broadcast ended after Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu’s interview without showing India’s players receiving their winners’ medals or the Asia Cup trophy.

The incident immediately recalled last year’s men’s Asia Cup final in Dubai, when India’s refusal to receive the trophy from Naqvi led to a presentation ceremony that lasted more than an hour after the match.

India women’s head coach Amol Mazumdar said the team fully supported the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s decision not to receive the trophy from Naqvi.

“That stand has been taken by the BCCI and we stand by it. For us, this tournament is over. We are the champions, and that’s good enough. It was on the big board that India are the champions of the Asia Cup 2026,” Mazumdar said.

Asked when India would receive the trophy and whether the situation would change, Mazumdar said there had been no update.

“No news as yet. So, I cannot answer that,” he said.

Mazumdar was also asked whether disputes surrounding India-Pakistan cricket and trophy presentations could undermine the spirit of sportsmanship.

“The stand has been taken by the BCCI and we are united and standing by it. Absolutely,” he said.

“For us, this tournament is officially over. The fact that we are champions, we are really glad and I am really proud of every single person in this unit, including the support staff and the players, needless to say.

“We are looking forward to the Asian Games now. This is officially over.”